The National tribune., 1887-12-08
THE WISCONSIN HOME.
Place for the Disabled Veterans OF that State
Controlled by the Grand Army.

OOntrollco by ihe brnnd Army.
This institution is, think, the first Soldiers
Home carried on by the Grand Army OF the
Republic. At the Department Encampment in
February, 1887, DIR. +. A. Marden, Of Milwan-
kee, presented facts which he had gathered in
relation 10 the soldiers aud soldiers widows in
the poOrhouses Ina this State, and asked that
committee be appointed 10 consider the need of
O State Soldiers Home for soldiers and their
wives and widows. Department Commander
Henry T. Fischer appointed as such committee
DR. II. A. Marden, Prof. A. o. Wright, Col. Is.
+. Bryant, Capt. J. ii. Marston and Comrade
Joe Cumberidge. I'm committee meeting Com
rade Wright who is Secretary of the State
Board of Charities and Reform, stated that the
Legislature, then in session, would not make an
appropriation for a State Soldiers Home, owing
10 the appropriations already practically de-
cided on. He proposed that the Department
Encampment establish such home itself with
State aid. The committee requested him TO
prepare a report on that line, which he did.
The report was adopted and the same commit
tee was instructed 10 incorporate the Home and
carry il on till the next Department EncRmp-
ment
The corporation proceeded TO prepare and
file with the Secretary Of State, who is CON-
rade, articles Of incorporation. The Legisla-
ture, at the request of many comrades who
were Senators and Assemblymen, enacted a
law giving the home So week for each inmate
These inmates must all be residents of the
State Of Wisconsin, and be either destitute
honoRbly discharged soldiers, sailors or
marines of the Union volunteer army who
cannot be admitted 10 National Home, or the
destitute wives or widows Of such who were
wives of soldiers, sailors or marines during the
civil war. Those married 20 soldiers since the
war cannot be admitted. This last provision
is doubtless only temporary, and is likely 10
be modified by the next Legislature. IL Will
also probably be thought best 10 admit soldiers
with their wives, without regard TO whether
the soldiers can be admitted 10 National
Home.
The corporation received several excellent
offers OF land aud money. They accepted the
offer Of Waunaca of hotel on beautiful lake
and 80 acres Of land, worth at least $4,000.
/ Necessary improvements have been made in
the buildings and grounds at a cost Of about
4 $1,000. The Posts Of the GAR. have contrib
uted little over $4,000, and are sending in
more money constantly. Private persons have
! given $500. and an exhibition Of war relics at
! the Milwaukee Exposition has produced over
$1,000. About $1,000 more is needed 10 carry
the institution till the State appropriation be-
gins 10 be available. This amount we expect
TO receive soon, thus putting US upon a cash
! basis
The Home has just been opened TO receive
! inmates and will soon be full 10 its present
capacity OF 30. In the Spring we shall have TO
appeal 10 the Posts Of the GAR. and 10 the
Moman's Relief Corps 30 put up additional cot
] tages, and have no doubt that we shall get
what we need, so great is the interest shown
already. We expect that all current expenses
and ordinary improvements and repairs will
be paid for out Of the State appropriation, and
that we can reasonably depend upon contribu-
tions 10 put up buildings as fast as they are
needed.
We now have main building. a chapel and
seven cottages. All additions are 10 be cot
tages, located upon streets already laid out in
a beautiful grove. Each cottage is 10 be one
story, two-room building costing $500, and lie
designed for an old couple or two old ladies.
! The meals, except in case Of sickness or ex-
tremely bad weather, are TO be served in the
main building. All inmates who are able will
be expected to work Soldiers having a small
pension are TO be received, but will be expected
TO provide clothing, tobacco, etc, as far RS pos
sible out oil the pension. Saloons are 10 be pro-
hibited within two miles Of the Home. There
are none now nearer than Waupaca, three miles
and half away.
AT the next Department Encampment the
corporators will surrender their delegated
power TO the Encampment, with the work ac-
complished for which they were appointed.
The institution which was last year a hope is
now a reality. In some respects IL is a novelty.
We believe that the cottage plan of building,
! giving place for a separate house for an old
man aud his wife. is an improvement on the
aggregate system Of building; that IL is cheaper
10 build, easier 10 manage and pleasanter for
the inmates who there secure greater privi-
leges than is usual in an institution. At the
| Department Encampment six trustees will be
elected. who, with the Department Commander,
eI-oGicO, will manage the institution for the
GAR. We shall, at any rate, have the salts.
faction Of enjoying il ourselves and having the
power 10 make il just what We think il ought
to Ne, instead Of finding fault with the manage
ment Of the National Homes, with no power tC
change their methods.-A. o. WRIGHT, Madi-
| son, Wis